“No excuses,” said center Phil Varone, the team’s leading scorer with 6 goals, 21 assists and 27 points in 30 games. “We brought in some very capable guys. This is what a lot of AHL teams go through.”

That is very true. Except all other short-handed AHL teams aren’t also just returning from a nine-day trip to Switzerland, a trek that ended with a 23 ½-hour travel marathon on New Year’s Day.

The Amerks participated in the Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland (losing all three games), traveled ALL day Wednesday and now resume their AHL schedule with road games at Utica Friday and Hershey on Saturday.

Cassidy said the points this weekend are very important, especially since “other teams were all picking up points” when the Amerks were in Switzerland.

“We’re having a meet-and-greet in a little bit,” coach Chadd Cassidy said after practice on Thursday of his active roster, which now has 13 forwards, seven defensemen and two goalies.

Right after introductions will come the “this is your chance to thrive” pep talk. Who will step up?

Rookie wingers Dan Catenacci (3-2-5 in 30 games) and Joel Armia (2-4-6 in 18) will be the top line wingers with Varone, who ranks fourth in the AHL in assists.

“Maybe this is the kick-start they need to play in that top role,” Cassidy said of the rookie wingers. “They’ve got to get accelerated roles. We need them to produce. It’s not Mike Zigomanis or Matty Ellis out there. It’s you. We need you to do it.”